Ridge Augmentation

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of an attractive bridge or dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants unless the defect can be repaired.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed with grafting techniques. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore the esthetic appearance and function better.

Extraction with Ridge Preservation and Augmentation

Careful management of extraction sockets at the time of tooth removal prevents unsightly bone loss and a better cosmetic outcome whether a tooth is to be replaced with a bridge or an implant. Although we can "plump" the site after extraction, our grafting techniques are much more predictable at the time of tooth removal.

Bone Grafting

In essence, bone grafts are materials that are used to fill the area where bone has been destroyed around teeth to serve as a scaffold or "rose trellis." In this manner, the patients own bone is induced to grow into the graft or scaffold and regain support for the tooth.

Bone Grafting Overview

For a brief narrated overview of the bone grafting process, please click the image below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about bone grafting.

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